“I don’t care how hard this is, I’m going to do it,” said Snake Jake as he did his best to drag a bag with a box of cakes through the grass.

It was just a few days ago when he had snuck into Pedro’s Persistence’s cottage and ate some cakes when Pedro was not there. Pedro was sad when he found out someone stole from him. Jake not only got a stomach ache, but felt really bad that he had stolen.

He finally confessed to Pedro, and then he got an idea — he would buy a whole box of cakes and surprise Pedro with them.

It was tough dragging the bag through the grass, and it was more difficult to climb up Pedro’s steps. Jake could have asked for help, and many of his Ponderings Pond friends would have gladly helped, but Jake felt like he had to do it himself.

It took some time, but Jake finally got to the top step. “Pedro! Oh Pedro!”

Pedro soon came out to see what Jake wanted.

“Hi Pedro! I want to thank you again for forgiving me for stealing. I brought a surprise for you.”

Pedro thanked Jake, and thanked him again when he discovered there were cakes inside.

“They are all for you,” said Jake.

Pedro replied, “They are? Well, I think I will surprise you. I am going to share them with you. And, I am so happy, I think I will see who is around to join in the fun.”

Pedro made a few calls. Many were very busy or away but Freddy Frog, Snake Joe, and Seymour the giraffe said they could come over.

Pedro quickly set up a table outside and soon everyone showed up.

After they thanked God for forgiveness, friends, and the cakes, they enjoyed the goodies.

As they chatted, the postman came.

“Señor Pedro, I usually put your mail in your mailbox, but this one is very special. You will see why,” said the postman. He handed Pedro an envelope. Pedro saw the name of who sent it.

“Oh! This is from the Keeper of the Pond!” exclaimed Pedro.

Pedro quickly opened the envelope, took out the letter, and laid it on the table. He then read it to everyone.

It read, “Beloved Pedro, I have heard how you forgave Snake Jake after he stole from you. I highly commend you for your forgiveness. You have done very well. All should follow your example.” It was signed, “In abundant love, the Keeper of the Pond,” and had the official seal.

“Wow! That’s great!” said Seymour.

Everyone was happy. After they cleaned off the table, they played a few games of croquet, then everyone went home.

That night, just before he went to bed, Pedro’s telephone rang. It was Seymour.

“Pedro, guess what!” Seymour said excitedly.

“What?” asked Pedro.

“I got a phone call from Freddy Frog. He said he also got a letter from the Keeper of the Pond. It also commended him for forgiving Jake and Joe when they scared him the other day.”

“Wow!” said Pedro.

Seymour continued, “Not only that, the Keeper of the Pond sent a commendation to Joe and Jake for doing the right thing by telling Freddy they were sorry, and giving him a gift.”

“This is very good news!” said Pedro. He thanked Seymour for calling and letting him know.

This made Pedro real happy as he went to bed. Forgiveness, kindness, and doing good did not go unnoticed by the Keeper of the Pond.